What is the National Planning Practice Guidance?
Introduction
The Government published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in
March 2012 and the National Planning Practice Guidance in March 2014.
Together, the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning
Practice Guidance set out what the Government expects of local authorities.
The overall aim is to ensure the planning system allows land to be used for new
homes and jobs, while protecting valuable natural and historic environments.
About the guidance
The National Planning Practice Guidance adds further context to the National
Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”) and it is intended that the two documents
should be read together.
The NPPG replaces over 7,000 pages of planning guidance that was previously
published in separate documents. It is now available entirely in one place, online
and not in hard copy. You can sign up for email alerts on any changes the
Government makes to it in the future.
What does the guidance cover?
There are 42 pieces of guidance. Key topics include what should be included in
Local Plans, Design, Ensuring the viability of town centres and Renewable and
Low Carbon Energy.
There is entirely new guidance on what neighbourhood plans can do, on the
formal ‘duty to cooperate’ between councils so that housing needs are not
ignored, and on how development proposals are to be considered viable or not.
A number of pieces of guidance relates to the planning application process
including:



When is permission required?
Before submitting an application
Making an application
For free, independent advice on planning issues contact: Planning Aid England, RTPI, 41 Botolph Lane,
London EC3R 8DL. Tel: 0330 123 9244 Email: [email protected]
Registered Charity Number: 262865 Scottish Registered Charity Number: SC 037841








Consultation and pre-decision matters
Determining a planning application
Use of Planning Conditions
Planning obligations
Flexible options for planning permissions
Appeals
Ensuring effective enforcement
Lawful development certificates
What status does the guidance have?
Plan makers (mainly Local Authorities who are responsible for a Local Plan but
also community groups who may be working on a neighbourhood plan) must
have regard to national policies and advice contained in the guidance when
developing their plans. Therefore local and neighbourhood plans may reflect
what the guidance says about certain topics.
The guidance is also a ‘material consideration’ when taking decisions on
planning applications. This means that if a local policy is deemed out of date,
local authorities may be directed by the national guidance’s requirements.
How can the guidance be accessed?
The guidance can be accessed here:
http://planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk/blog/guidance/
Old guidance, now withdrawn, can be found here:
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/cancelled-guidance_06032014.pdf